Video: Small Town Business Success Story

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EUPORA, Miss. (WCBI) – One of the biggest challenges small towns face is attracting new businesses to the area. Elected leaders shared that concern during the Mississippi Mayor’s Forum.

Eupora Mayor Dan Burchfield says right now, his town is thriving on arts, crafts and unique antiques. He says the key to success for entrepreneurs is to find their niche in small towns.

“What are things that only a small town, unique boutique type, small business, is going to offer that people want? And that’s what you’ve got to do,” said Mayor Burchfield.

Mallory McCain is the owner of Teacups and Tulips, a downtown flower and gift shop in Eupora. After working in a bigger city, she pursued her dreams of moving back home and opening her store.

“It’s fun. I worked at a flower shop in Starkville, so it was a great deal bigger but I like the small town, I like knowing my customers,” said McCain.

McCain says running a store in a smaller town does have its differences but it doesn’t hurt her business.

“Weddings and funerals are still the same as in a bigger town but everyday business, like birthday and anniversary arrangements, that’s a little slower,” said McCain.

McCain is doing what she has always wanted to in her hometown.

“I love this town. My parents grew up here and I always knew I wanted to come back here and open my store,” added McCain.

Like many of our local towns, Eupora is a friendly town to visit with local shops and restaurants.